The Fall of Camelot

This book is one in Time Life Books' The Enchanted World series. Each of these books covers a different aspect of folklore and mythology, and they are an excellent set. They tell stories in a similar format and complement each other well without repeating the content. Each is about 140 pages. Together the series makes a good fun coverage of mythology. This volume stands well on its own. You can get more detailed books about Arthurian legend. This one has detailed information but is easy to read throughout. This is a beautifully illustrated well printed volume There is a chapter on each of the major characters in the legend: Arthur, Morgause, Guinevere, Morgan, Lancelot, Mordred and Gawain. There is enough scholarship and reference here that this can be used as an academic resource, but it is written so that it is easy to read. Often more detailed information is presented in smaller sections with pictures and captions in the margins to the chapter. This is a beautifully bound and printed book. The binding is just cloth to collectors, but it is printed to look like a wizard's book. The cover shows a dragon holding a picture of a King Arthur brooding on his throne. I think it was the cover that got me reading this when I was child. This is a well researched nicely produced series. For me one book in the series had me hooked. If you are interested in mythology and all things magic then it is definitely worth trying out the series. High school and middle school libraries should consider the series and especially this book since it stands alone well.

There are few who don't know the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. However, this version is a bit different than the one you might be use to. For example, it's Arthur's sister Morgause that bares his son Mordred, not Morgana Le Fay. Arthur wields the sword Caliburn, not Excalibur. This book divides the legend of Arthur into seven chapters, each spotlighting a different character. It's a fun, visually exciting way to present the story. Though out the book are woven with haunting, alluring paining and sketches, making this a feast for your eyes. Be warned, there is sexual content, but not much. Still, I recommend this book for those 14 and older. Just a side bar, if you buy this book and do like it, it's one of a series called "Enchanted World", so make sure you look up it's 19 siblings!